The Orange Empire Railway Museum maintains the largest collection of locomotives, railway cars and other railroad artifacts in the West, and visitors have the chance to ride some of the most historic and unusual trains on the museum's own on-site railway. The museum property is vast and filled with points of interest both indoors and outdoors. Admission to the museum is free except for the occasional special event. Weekend visitors who want to ride the trains can purchase all-day passes. Charter rides are available, and passengers can ride in the locomotive cab for an additional fee. Would-be engineers can even operate a diesel or steam locomotive under the guidance of a skilled engineer through the museum's "Run One" program.
Orange Empire Railway Museum
2201 S. A St.
Perris, CA 92570
951-943-3020
oerm.org
The Riding Academy, located just 4.5 miles southwest of Winchester in Menifee, California, is an instructional horseback riding center that offers lessons to riders of all ages and experience levels. Many lessons are designed specifically for parents and children to take together. For those who don't want to ride, there are plenty of other things to do around the ranch: kids can join the Carrot Club and help feed the hungry horses, you can watch the monthly vaulting shows, and volunteers are always needed to help out with various projects around the barn and corral. Reservations are required for lessons, which typically fill up in advance.
The Riding Academy
30300 Garbani Road
Menifee, CA 92584
951-301-9272
theridingacademy.net
The Mulligan Family Fun Center is a large recreational facility just 12 miles southwest of Winchester in Murrieta. More than 30 different attractions and activities are offered, including miniature golf, batting cages, go karts, a rock wall, a bowling alley, "Blaster Boats" and "Lazer" tag. Features designed especially for younger children include carnival rides, rookie-level go karts and the
1,400-square-foot playground. Gamers will enjoy the video arcade and the Gamer's Lounge, in which friends and family can play popular cooperative games for the Xbox and PC.
Mulligan Family Fun Center
24950 Madison Ave.
Murrieta, CA 92562
951-696-9696
mulliganfun.com
Families can share an unforgettable perspective of Winchester and the surrounding landscape by taking to the skies with SoCal Hot Air Balloon Tours. With flights that originate in the Temecula Valley Wine Country, SoCal Hot Air Balloon Tours can arrange customized tours throughout the Southern California region. Though many of its flight packages are romantic excursions for adults, several tours are appropriate for families with well-behaved children of all ages. Tour guides consider the tours through the Temecula Valley Wine Country to be the most scenic in the area, offering far-reaching views of the Santa Rosa Mountains.
SoCal Hot Air Balloon Tours
34225 Rancho California Road
Temecula, CA 92591
951-506-4200
socalballoons.com
